Travel News: March

Welcome back to DialAFlight's Travel News, rounding up the latest news at the start of each month in one handy serving.

Today, we're showing you what's new in Canada, America and Paris!

Starting in Canada, it has been announced that to coincide with the country's 150th anniversary, the entrance fees to all National Parks and National Heritage Sites will be waived for visitors during 2017.

The scheme will coincide will 12 months of immersive and exciting experiences and aims to get visitors and locals alike to celebrate the big day in style. Many of the events will resonate around Ottwawa, so expect some revelry in the capital!

Moving south, Walt Disney World has finally confirmed the expected news that it will be enforcing surge pricing at its parks in Florida and California. Already in effect in Paris, the move will mean that visitors will be charged differently depending on projected crowds and the time of year. Prices will range from "Value" tickets from $95, to $124 for Peak periods.

With this in mind, it would be cheapest for you to go after the holidays and when the kids are at school (if possible!). That means avoiding Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Fourth of July and perhaps opting for something in January or February, or if the kids go back to school late, the end of August is also a good option - if you don't mind the heat.

Disney also announced that Disney Springs will be expanding with a wealth of new dining, shopping and entertainment experiences ready to make your stay in Florida even more magical.

Gladly, there's good news for families wanting to go on holiday as Air Passenger Duty (APD) paid by those flying from UK airports, is abolished for children between 12 and 15 years old. The news comes just a year after the same scheme was scrapped for children under 12.

It should be noted however, that a number of airlines and operators have been slow with the uptake and many travellers may have paid APD on flights for which it no longer applies. These passengers are due a refund, but may have to chase up to claim it either by applying online or by contacting customer services of their supplier.

And finally...

Bad news, Macbook selfie sticks are now officially "a thing". If somehow selfie sticks didn't grate on you, their larger counterparts certainly will. If there's something more annoying than having a phone waved in your face, it's a Mac.

Starbucks is to open for the first time in Italy and will debut in Milan early next year. In a country where espresso is the local's choice, it will be interesting to see how Starbucks is received.

The British Passport has been listed as the joint-third strongest in the world. With visa-free access to 175 countries, the British Passport was only behind Sweden (2nd) and Germany (1st) in the index conducted by Henley & Partners.